Best The80s Podcasts (2024)

1
Jim Henson in the 80s: A Decade of Wonder & Joy 41:39

2d ago41:39

41:39

After the phenomenal success of Sesame Street and then The Muppet Show, it seemed as if things couldn't get much better. But as the 1980s began, Jim Henson was just getting started... Two groundbreaking films, new Muppet movies, and one of the most beloved children's series of all time--these are just some of the amazing creations by Jim Henson in …

1
How the TurboGrafx-16 Changed Video Games Forever 38:42

9d ago38:42

38:42

As the NES and Sega Master System were dominating the 1980s video game market, something interesting was happening in Japan. Something ahead of its time. Something revolutionary... The dream of a 16-bit system felt like it was years and years away, but, in 1987--it happened. It took a few more years, but the system that began as the PC Engine in Ja…

1
Pee-Wee's Playhouse 35:11

16d ago35:11

35:11

When it first aired in September 1986, no one was quite sure what to think of it--especially critics and parents. It was loud, bold, colorful, and crazy...and kids loved it. This is the story of one of the most remarkable kids' shows ever made. A show that provided an educational component, but they also promised you the nuttiest establishment you'…

1
The Remarkable Story of Tony Hand: The Scottish Wayne Gretzky 35:06

23d ago35:06

35:06

As we enter the mid-80s, the Edmonton Oilers are on top of the hockey world. And on the best team was also the best player in the world: Wayne Gretzky. But while all this was going on, something remarkable had also been happening in the hockey world, and in the most unlikely place. You may not know the name Tony Hand, but in 1986, both he and the O…

1
10 Forgotten Movies: Rediscovering 1980s Hidden Gems 41:17

1M ago41:17

41:17

They couldn't all be hits... During a decade that gave us so many beloved classics, there were other great movies that just flew under the radar. Whether it was too much competition, inadequate marketing, or bad timing, there are plenty of 1980s movies that could have been big hits, but just weren't. Today we look back at ten of those movies. Movie…

1
Rewind: A Look Back at 1983 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

We're three years into a new decade and the 80s as we know it is starting to take shape. From the movies to TV shows, and music to video games, things are changing quickly--and pop culture would never be the same. Welcome to Rewind and an all-new version of my review of 1983. We look back on all the big pop culture moments along with sports and the…

1
The Best Snacks & Junk Food of the 1980s 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

Armed with a pocket full of change, you walk through those sliding doors and are greeted by a wonderland of amazing options as far as the eye can see. The biggest issue you face is what do you choose; candy, chocolate, chips, or a drink? This is a look back on the best snacks and junk food from the 80s, a decade that gave us some of the greatest pr…

1
The First Cell Phone: The Mobile Revolution Begins... 34:57

2M ago34:57

34:57

There's a good chance you're reading this on your phone right now. And that phone of yours has some humble origins that go all the way back to 1983... This is the history of the Motorola Dynatac 8000x: the world's very first commercial cell phone. It's a story that begins in the 1970s and is followed by a massive uphill battle that lasted a decade …

1
The Discovery of The Titanic 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

Titanic was called the 'Ship of Dreams,' and for oceanographer Robert Ballard, his dream had always been to find the most famous shipwreck of them all. Today, we travel back to September 1985 and revisit an event many thought would never happen. The discovery of The Titanic made headlines around the world, but was there more going on beneath the su…

1
Flight of the Navigator: The Groundbreaking & Beloved Movie 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

It all came from a dream... In the summer of 1986, a new movie hit theatres. It mixed science-fiction and adventure and when it came to computer-generated imagery; it was quite ahead of its time. This is a look back at Flight of the Navigator, a movie that many see as an underrated sci-fi gem, but had a big influence on the future of movie-making. …

1
Fraggle Rock: The Creation, the Impact & the Legacy 41:43

2M ago41:43

41:43

What if there was a show so significant it could put an end to war? This was the approach taken by Jim Henson when he laid the foundation for Fraggle Rock. Henson didn't want to create some ordinary show, but a program that showed us the importance of taking care of ourselves, our environment, and each other. Besides being colorful, musical, and fu…

1
The Betamax Case: When the VCR Was Almost Banned... 31:34

3M ago31:34

31:34

If you grew up during the 80s, you probably had a collection of VHS tapes. From new movie releases to your tapes with all your favorite TV shows or music videos, home video was a cornerstone of our entertainment. And all of that almost never happened... If things had gone differently, home recording would have been illegal and the VCR as we know it…

1
10 Iconic Albums That Just Turned 40 35:45

3M ago35:45

35:45

It may seem hard to believe, but as of the year of this recording, the album releases from 1984 are now forty years old. But these are no ordinary albums, as this is a year that gave us some of the most iconic--and important--albums ever made. Today we look back at 10 significant releases that not only changed the course of music but led to astonis…

1
Introducing... Crime Beat | Out of the dark 40:10

3M ago40:10

40:10

In the summer of 2006, a young Calgary woman was on top of the world. She had a supportive family, amazing friends and a great job. But life as she knew it came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the night on August 6, 2006. In this episode, Global News senior crime reporter Nancy Hixt shares details of a violent attack- a story that’s every woman’…

1
Who Shot J.R.: The Episode That Changed TV Forever 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Where were you the night of November 21st, 1980? If you were like the majority of the public, you were huddled around your TV waiting to find out the answer to one of the biggest questions in television history: Who Shot J.R.? The 'Who Shot J.R.' episode of Dallas was so big that it spread well beyond North America, becoming part of the public disc…

1
1980s Fashion: From Acid Wash to Leg Warmers 36:31

3M ago36:31

36:31

How can one decade have so many different aesthetics associated with it? Well, this is the 1980s; an era when big, bright, and bold choices dominated our fashion. Today, we look back on the styles, clothing items, and individuals that helped create the look of the 80s. Support the show and get access to bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s Artwork:…

1
You Can't Do That on Television 36:42

4M ago36:42

36:42

If you know what follows the words, "I don't know..." it means you grew up with one of the most creative, bizarre, and beloved kids' shows of all time. You Can't Do That on Television started as a low-budget program in Ottawa, Canada, before being picked up by a newer, kids-only cable channel in the US: Nickelodeon. The show was different than anyt…

1
A Look Back at 1982 39:50

4M ago39:50

39:50

We're three years into a new decade, and here comes the year that--when it comes to pop culture--is about to turn everything on its head... It's the year that gave us the biggest movie of the decade, the debut of some of the best TV shows ever, and some of the greatest albums and singles of the 80s. But if that wasn't enough, 1982 is also about to …

1
The Birth of the IBM PC: A New Era Begins 40:33

4M ago40:33

40:33

For years, a computer was something only used by governments, corporations, or hobbyists. They didn't have any practical appeal to the average person. But that all changed going into the 1980s. Computers like the Apple 2 and the TRS-80 made some strong headway, but it was in 1981 when IBM helped to fully launch the personal computer revolution. Thi…

1
Run-DMC: The Beatles of Hip-Hop 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

"Two turntables and a microphone. That's all it took to change the world..." These were the words spoken in 2009 by Eminem as he inducted Run-DMC into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It was a fitting tribute to the group from Hollis, Queens, that not only took hip-hop to new heights but changed the music industry--and pop culture--in the process. Thi…

1
Dirty Dancing: The Little Movie That Could 33:50

5M ago33:50

33:50

It's Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate than to look back on a beloved 1980s romantic drama: Dirty Dancing. Despite being a timeless hit, it's a miracle that Dirty Dancing ever reached theatres. Between shooting difficulties and real-life tension between its stars, this was the movie very few people believed in--and it was projected …

1
10 Forgotten TV Shows From the 80s 42:28

5M ago42:28

42:28

They couldn't all be hits... During an era that gave us some of the biggest shows in television history, there were others less fortunate. Because of all the big established shows, limited networks, and limited timeslots, there just wasn't room for everyone. This is a look back at 10 forgotten TV shows from the 80s; some of which were quite good, b…

1
The Muppet Babies 40:27

5M ago40:27

40:27

What began as a brief segment during the third Muppet movie soon became one of the most beloved children's shows of the entire 1980s. The Muppet Babies was not only a uniquely creative show but one that took a different path than many of the other cartoons dominating the networks. With an assist from some Hollywood heavyweights, the Muppet Babies q…

1
Halyx: Star Wars Meets Rock 'n' Roll 36:34

5M ago36:34

36:34

What do you get when you combine Star Wars, rock music, Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Wookies? You get Halyx, a real-life, science-fiction rock band created by Disney for the summer of 1981. This is a look back on the unique, somewhat bizarre, but incredibly creative project that brought together some tremendous talent. The band was shor…

1
The Burger Wars of the 1980s 38:37

5M ago38:37

38:37

A hamburger is a pretty simple thing, and it's always been a huge part of fast food culture. But in the 80s, the humble burger found itself at the center of a multi, multi-billion dollar battle. This is a look back on the 1980s Burger Wars that pitted McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and A&W in an all-out battle for our tastebuds, our loyalty, and…

1
The History of Breakdancing 39:37

6M ago39:37

39:37

With its humble beginnings in the Bronx, Breaking quickly spread through the five boroughs of New York, across the country, and eventually, worldwide. This is the history of breaking and how it, and hip-hop, grew side-by-side to become global phenomenons. From beats to battles, it's a look at the unique art form, and the early performers, that took…

1
My Pet Monster: If it's Ugly or Smells, it Sells... 28:39

6M ago28:39

28:39

My Pet Monster came out of an interesting era. It was a time when there was a move away from video games and a return to more traditional toys like dolls and stuffed animals. Combine this with a focus on gross-out products and it set the stage for a pretty unique, but beloved toy and cartoon series. This is a look back on My Pet Monster, the brand …

1
Rewind: A Look Back at 1981 35:19

6M ago35:19

35:19

Well, that sure was a doozy... By the time 1981 came to a close, it seemed like we had experienced a bit of everything; astounding technological achievements, two near tragedies, and an event that captured the interest of the entire world. And when it came to young people, there was something new. Something that changed how we consumed media--and i…

1
The Everything 80s Holiday Special 33:40

6M ago33:40

33:40

Turn on the fireplace channel, grab a cup of 'nog, and settle in for a nice winter's podcast as we travel back to the holiday season during the 1980s. We'll look back on things like the Sears Wishbook, holiday movies, forgotten TV specials, and even the experience of heading to the mall to find that perfect gift. Then I turn the show over to you to…

1
The 9 Best Movies of the 1980s 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

Narrowing down the very best movies of the 1980s seems like a tall task--and why just nine of them? Well, these aren't my rambling musings but are the movies from the 80s that made the American Film Institute's Top 100 List. So which 1980s movies made the cut and appear on this prestigious list? Some may seem obvious, some may surprise you, and som…

1
Miami Vice: Neon, Loafers, and Big Ratings 33:18

7M ago33:18

33:18

Is there a more definitive 1980s TV show than Miami Vice? The drama starring Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas is not only one of the most notable shows of the entire 1980s--but one of the most influential. Today we look back on the show that not only had a massive impact on pop culture but forever changed the way that TV was made. Bonus 1980s…

1
M.A.S.K.: Toys, Cartoons, and an Uphill Battle 30:21

7M ago30:21

30:21

How do you stand out during a decade that gave us some of the most iconic toy brands and franchises of all time? Especially considering that some of those franchises continue to appear in our movie theatres to this day. This was the challenge for the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, or M.A.S.K., a toy and cartoon series that had to balance being fami…

1
Muhammad Ali's Final Fight 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

It probably should have never happened. But as Muhammad Ali made his way to the ring on the night of December 11th, 1981, no one knew what to expect. A year prior, Ali faced off against Larry Holmes in a fight that was not only hard to watch but resulted in Ali's trainer stopping the fight. That should have been it--but Ali didn't want to go out li…

1
Spielberg in the 80s 38:46

8M ago38:46

38:46

If you're checking out this podcast about the 1980s, there's also a good chance that the movies of Steven Spielberg probably had a major impact on you. Between directing, writing, and producing; Steven Spielberg was involved with 24 different movies throughout the 1980s. Many of those are not just some of the best films of the decade--but ever. Tod…

1
Introducing... Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry | The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash | 1 32:01

8M ago32:01

32:01

The old days of air travel were quite risky…compared to today, the chances of your flight going down were far greater …every airport had kiosks and coin-operating vending machines where you could buy life insurance before you headed to the gate—you know, just in case you thought you weren’t going to make it to your final destination… 1977 was one o…

1
Super Mario Bros. 2: The 'Borrowed' Video Game 33:52

8M ago33:52

33:52

Hold on, something doesn't seem right here... Did you have that same reaction back in 1988 the first time you got to play Super Mario Brothers 2? For a new generation familiar with the original Mario Brothers game for the NES, the follow-up felt like quite a departure. But there was a reason for this, and today, we look back on the story behind the…

1
Introducing... Black and Blue: Behind the Badge | Catching Hell 37:40

8M ago37:40

37:40

It’s 1986 and Michael Morrison is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to leave his life of poverty in Newark and start afresh. It’s a job offer he can’t afford to refuse. Michael has no idea what this new job has in store. But he soon realizes: he’s just joined ‘the biggest gang in America’. Join Seren Jones to hear Michael’s story and …

1
A Trip to One of the Last Video Stores 34:03

8M ago34:03

34:03

Have you ever dreamt about traveling back in time? Well, I got to experience that when I visited one of the last fully functioning video rental stores--and you're coming along for the trip. Today, I'm in Southwestern Ontario to visit Jumbo Video, a video store that's continued to run since the late 80s. We meet the owners who have been there since …

1
Friday the 13th: The Decade of Jason 36:28

8M ago36:28

36:28

It's Spooky Season, and what better way to pay tribute to it than to look back on the definitive 1980s horror movie franchise: Friday the 13th. Freddy and Michael Myers were big in the 1980s, but when it came to dominating the silver screen: it was all about Jason. Today, we look back on the movies that, except for two years, had a new release for …

1
The California Raisins: The Grapes of Cash 31:39

8M ago31:39

31:39

Well, that sure escalated quickly... What started out as a new marketing campaign to sell more dried fruit, quickly grew into a bona fide pop culture phenomenon. This is the story of The California Raisins, the Claymation hit from the 80s that not only sold a lot of raisins but became a moneymaking sensation in the process. Toys, albums, and TV spe…

1
10 of the Biggest Sporting Moments of the 80s 32:30

9M ago32:30

32:30

Some were epic. Others were devastating. But they were all unforgettable... There is no better way to sum up the big sporting moments of the 1980s. Today we look back on ten of the biggest moments in sports that best define the decade. Joy, upsets, and heartbreak; in the 80s we witnessed moments that transcended sports. From basketball and hockey t…

1
Introducing.... Bad Parents | Vacationing with Children 33:16

9M ago33:16

33:16

We as parents get so little time to ourselves. So if you know when vacationing with kids actually becomes a relaxing vacation… please let us know. In this episode we discuss the literal ups and downs of traveling with kids. You can find and listen to this podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/badparents Learn more about you…

1
The Final Days of 8-Track 38:18

9M ago38:18

38:18

You may have thought that 8-track faded away in the 70s along with disco and bell bottoms. But in actuality, 8-track continued into the 80s—and well into the 80s, lasting much longer than many people realize. This is the story of the final days of 8-track, the music format that was able to hang in there because of cars, toys, and a certain record a…

1
Nintendo Power Magazine 39:48

9M ago39:48

39:48

What do you get when you combine customer feedback cards, a phone hotline, and a free newsletter? You get Nintendo Power Magazine, the must-have companion to the NES. But this magazine did more than just help us beat Zelda 2. It also served as a strategic form of marketing to not only advertise upcoming games but also gather invaluable customer ins…

1
Live Aid 1985 33:17

9M ago33:17

33:17

It should have been impossible... Based on the limits of broadcast and satellite technology in 1985, it was a miracle it even happened. But what took place on Saturday, July 13 was nothing short of astounding; a benefit concert featuring the biggest musical acts in the world, held in two countries, and beamed around the world. This is the story of …

1
The Black Cauldron: Did it Almost Sink Disney Animation? 31:07

10M ago31:07

31:07

The 1980s weren't exactly a golden age for Disney animated features. Maybe a new cartoon film based on a series of books could usher in an exciting new era of Disney animation. That film was The Black Cauldron; a movie that took a long time to make, cost a fortune, and created a lot of backlash. And it almost sunk Disney animation for good... Bonus…

1
The Fitness Boom of the 80s 42:47

10M ago42:47

42:47

Headbands, legwarmers, and spandex... In the 1980s, these things started to appear everywhere. It was a time when fitness, aerobics, and health clubs began to take center stage. Activities that used to be more niche--like aerobics and bodybuilding--quickly became mainstream. Today we look back on the fitness explosion of the 80s, the people (and ce…

1
Frank Welker: The Voice of the 80s 33:16

10M ago33:16

33:16

The 1980s gave us an explosion of new cartoon shows. But with so many new shows and characters, someone had to voice them all. It was even better if you could have the same person perform multiple voices. If you don't know the name Frank Welker--but grew up in the 80s--you've definitely heard his voice. This is a look back on the incredible career …

1
12 Albums That Just Turned 40 32:13

10M ago32:13

32:13

If they were people, they'd officially be over the hill... Today we look back on 12 classic albums that are somehow forty years old now. These are the albums of 1983, a genuinely astonishing time for music. And this list is the epitome of a mixed bag; classic rock, pop, new wave, and multiple forms of heavy metal. it's a year that will go down in m…

1
The Choose Your Own Adventure Books 28:35

11M ago28:35

28:35

Which path will you choose? That was the question that faced millions of kids during the 1980s. The Choose Your Own Adventure books felt like part story/part game, but every time you picked one up: it was always different. This is a look back on the unique books, their phenomenal success, and some brilliant marketing that led to the sale of hundred…

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